Hudson's return galvanised Newcastle in their 12-6 Premiership defeat of Gloucester last Sunday

Newcastle scrum-half Micky Young believes the influence of captain James Hudson has been missed at Kingston Park during his absence through injury.

Hamstring tears kept Hudson out for two months, a run of four straight league defeats, prior to his return in the 12-6 defeat of Gloucester on Sunday.

"It makes a massive difference having James Hudson back in the Falcons team," Young told BBC Newcastle.

"It's the type of work-rate we want and accuracy he brings to the game."

Young added: "I didn't see the stats but he definitely stole a few line-out balls, it's great to have him back, his first game back and we get a win, I don't think is any coincidence."

The Tyneside outfit travel to last season's champions Leicester in the Premiership on Saturday, and visit a ground upon which the north east side have failed to win since 1997.

"I don't think history matters," Young continued.

"It'll be interesting, a good occasion, and I'm looking forward to it.

"Unfortunately the past few years I've missed out on travelling to Leicester, being injured and whatever, so it'll be my first at Welford Road in front of a big crowd.

"I don't think it's a case of being intimidated, you've just got to concentrate on what you're going to do and what your own team are going to do.

"If you take into account things that are going on in the crowd, and things that are going on around you, then you're not properly focussed on the game."

The Hartlepool-born half-back made his Falcons debut in 2008, and has since made 61 appearances, scoring seven tries.

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